Kimberly-Clark introduces ambitious sustainability strategy for a decisive decade

Kimberly-Clark announced its new 2030 sustainability strategy and goals, aimed at addressing the social and environmental challenges of the next decade with commitments to improve the lives and well-being of one billion people in underserved communities around the world with the smallest environmental footprint. The ambitious strategy is outlined in the company’s 2019 Global Sustainability Report, which reflects progress towards the company’s Sustainability 2022 strategy and its pivot to 2030.

The new goal will create positive social outcomes by creating shared value in three areas:

• Caring for the health and well-being of people at all stages of life;
• Challenging stigmas and championing the progress of women everywhere; and
• Championing a world where all enjoy access to clean water and sanitation.

Kimberly-Clark understands that a strong and enduring focus on the smallest environmental footprint is just as essential to helping people live a better life. To that end, the company is focused on the areas where it can make the biggest difference – climate, forests, water and plastics.

“Kimberly-Clark’s success is dependent on innovating new ways to give consumers the essentials they need while safeguarding natural systems and the life they support,” said Lisa Morden, Vice President of Safety, Sustainability and Occupational Health, Kimberly-Clark. “That means eliminating waste and recovering resources; protecting forests of high carbon, biodiversity, and cultural value; cutting greenhouse gas emissions in line with climate science; and building strong water stewardship practices where it matters most.”

Each area of the new environmental strategy aims to reduce the footprint by half:

• Carbon Footprint– As previously announced, the company is committed to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations and supply chain by 50 percent for absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions (direct and indirect) from its operations, as well as a 20 percent reduction in absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services and end of life treatment of sold products. Both targets are based on a new 2015 base year. These targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and are aligned with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
• Forest Footprint– Kimberly-Clark will continue its previously stated goal to reduce its Natural (Northern) Forest Fiber footprint by 50 percent by 2025 and increase our use of environmentally preferred fibers such as plantation-grown wood, alternative non-wood and recycled fibers. In addition, the company’s 2030 goals will tackle the challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss, and the impact on Indigenous communities, and communities that depend on forests for their livelihoods.
• Water Footprint– By 2030, Kimberly-Clark intends to reduce its water footprint by 50 percent in water stressed regions by creating meaningful improvements in the supply chain and the surrounding communities. The impact of water insecurity and water scarcity is felt across the value chain, from the sources of fiber to the manufacturing facilities.
• Plastics Footprint– Kimberly-Clark will reduce its use of new, fossil-fuel based plastics by 50 percent through delivery of solutions that use more renewable materials and can be regenerated after use. The strategy builds on the company’s previous leadership in manufacturing waste diversion to tackle single-use plastics in its products and packaging, and support innovation in waste collection and circular systems.